On the 29th of May, 2017, I will be boarding a plane to Sri Lanka, to undertake a 5 week, Mental Health placement with SLV Global- a UK based organisation that provides students with hands-on work experience abroad in the mental health sector.

Still recovering from a 25-year civil war, and with the wounds from the 2004 tsunami not yet healed, Sri Lanka's population is in need of more psychological support than current resources can provide.
With few psychologists in residence, the main method of treatment for those with mental health issues is pharmacological. Beds in psychiatric hospitals are limited and the lack of formally qualified mental health professionals is apparent.

Throughout my stay I will be working at a number of psychiatric facilities and community initiatives to reduce stigma and to strengthen current resources. I will be working with vulnerable individuals, special needs patients and also teaching English to children aged 3-12 and young adults aged 17-25 to provide much needed stimulation and human contact to improve well-being and increase self-esteem.

As I am currently studying psychology at University, this trip will be a great opportunity for me to gain hands on work experience in the mental health sector, which I have a great interest in.
This placement is purely voluntary, so I am required to fund the entire trip myself and therefore I am aiming to raise £1000 to go towards it. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.